Andrew Taylor

Andrew Taylor is a British crime fiction author born in 1951, best known for historical detective novels and psychological thrillers. He has written over 45 books and won multiple awards, including the Crime Writers' Association's Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in 2009. His most acclaimed works include the Lydmouth series, set in a fictional town on the Welsh border during the 1950s, and the Roth Trilogy, which follows events in a Cathedral town backward through time. The Ashes of London series, beginning with the eponymous novel set during the Great Fire of London in 1666, has brought him significant recent recognition. Taylor's novels often explore themes of memory, identity, and the ways past events influence the present. His work is characterized by meticulous historical research, complex character development, and intricate plotting that frequently spans multiple time periods. Taylor has also worked as a journalist and critic, contributing regularly to publications such as The Spectator and The Independent. He currently resides in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, where several of his novels are set.

Readers highlight Taylor's intricate historical detail and character development across his series. One Amazon reviewer noted: "Taylor makes 1666 London feel as real as walking down your own street." What readers liked: - Atmospheric sense of time and place - Complex, interconnected plots - Character relationships that develop across series - Balance of historical and mystery elements - Clean prose without graphic violence What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in early chapters - Multiple timeline shifts can be confusing - Some find the endings too understated - Historical details occasionally overshadow the mystery Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Ashes of London: 3.9/5 (8,900+ ratings) - The American Boy: 3.8/5 (3,200+ ratings) - The Anatomy of Ghosts: 3.6/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon average: 4.3/5 across all titles LibraryThing: 4.1/5 overall author rating Common criticism focuses on pacing: "Beautiful writing but takes time to get going" appears frequently in 3-star reviews.

The Anatomy of Ghosts (2010) In 1786 Cambridge, a grieving bookseller investigates mysterious events at a university society that claims to have summoned a deadly ghost.

The American Boy (2003) A young English teacher becomes entangled in dark secrets surrounding Edgar Allan Poe's schooldays in London during the 1800s.

The Ashes of London (2016) A murder investigation unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The Silent Boy (2014) During the French Revolution, an English lawyer searches Paris for a mute boy who may be the key to a murder mystery.

The Scent of Death (2013) A British civil servant in 1778 New York investigates a series of murders while the American Revolution rages.

Bleeding Heart Square (2008) In 1934 London, a woman searching for her missing father becomes involved in the dark history of an old building.

The Fire Court (2018) A murder investigation reveals corruption in the court established to settle property disputes after London's Great Fire.

The Last Protector (2020) Political intrigue and murder surround the return of Richard Cromwell to Restoration London.

The King's Evil (2019) A royal clerk investigates a murder linked to political conspiracies in Charles II's London.

The Royal Secret (2021) A clerk becomes entangled in dangerous court politics while investigating a murder connected to Charles II's inner circle.

P.D. James writes British police procedurals with historical elements and psychological depth. Her Adam Dalgliesh series features complex mysteries set in England with attention to period detail and social class.

Peter Robinson creates crime fiction centered in Yorkshire featuring Inspector Alan Banks. His work combines police procedure with exploration of local communities and their secrets.

C.J. Sansom sets historical mysteries in Tudor England with lawyer Matthew Shardlake as protagonist. His books incorporate political intrigue and social issues of the 16th century while solving murders.

Charles Todd writes post-WWI detective stories featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge, who deals with both crimes and shell shock from the war. The series explores both murder investigations and the impact of war on British society.

S.J. Bolton focuses on contemporary British crime with gothic undertones and isolated settings. Her standalone novels and Lacey Flint series combine police work with elements of psychological suspense.